2011 NCAA Conference Previews Part 5

-Mountain West Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.Boise State
-Sure the Broncos lose their top two receivers to the NFL and are now playing in a more competitive conference but they will still be able to end up on top. They return star QB Kellen Moore, talented RB Doug Martin and will start 7 seniors in the front 7 of the defense. Add the 3 returning Offensive lineman and this team will be in for another good season.
2.TCU
-I think TCU is a bit overrated coming into this year but i just can't put them any lower than #2 in this conference. They only return 8 total starters but RB Ed Wesley and new QB Casey Pahcall may be able to carry this team along with defenders Tank Carder and Tanner Brock.
3.San Diego State
-I really like this Aztecs team and might have them above TCU if it werent for Coach Brady Hoke bolting for the Michigan job and the team having to replace their top two receivers and 6 defenders. Having said that, they do return 4 offensive lineman who will have the task of blocking for a great duo of QB Ryan Lindley and Freshman All-American RB Ronnie Hillman. SDSU has the advantage of playing both Boise St. and TCU at home this year and I would not be shocked to see them win atleast one of those games and make some noise in this conference.
4.Air Force
-Air Force will again put up massive rushing numbers with their option attack behind 3 veteran O-lineman and QB Tim Jefferson running the show and the defense, returning 8 starters, should be decent.
5.Wyoming
6.Colorado State
7.UNLV
8.New Mexico

-Player of the Year-
QB Kellen Moore, Boise State

-Best Conference Games-
TCU @ SDSU, Oct 8th
TCU @ Boise St, Nov 12th
Boise St @ SDSU, Nov 19th
Air Force @ Colorado St, Nov 26th

NCAA Football Conference Previews Part 3

-Mountain West Conference-

Predicted Finish

1.TCU

  Andy Dalton along with a solid defense, who will have to fill some holes,  should make the horned frogs conference champs. 

2.Utah

  Relying on the run game will be key for the Utes to finish in the top two. The backfield includes veteran RB Matt Asiata and RB Eddie Wide and the QB position should be solid with either Jordan Wynn or Terrance Cain running the show.

3.BYU

  Offense loses alot of weapons at key positions but i don't see them falling any lower than 3rd in this conference. The defense will have to carry this team early on.

4.San Diego St

  Should be interesting to see the progression of the Aztecs going into Brady Hoke's second year in San Diego. QB Ryan Lindley should put up big numbers as he throws to Vincent Brown. Having said that, the running game needs to step up to help this team take a step in the right direction, as does the defensive secondary.

5.Air Force

 The lack of any experience at offensive line really does not bode well for this team.

6.Wyoming

  I can easily see the Cowboys moving higher than the 6th position with a promising QB and Alvester Alexander leading the way at running back but for now until the defense can become better i will leave them here.

7. New Mexico

  Promising at the skill positions on offense that can produce depending on how the line performs. There are a few pieces on defense to work with but the secondary must get better.

8.Colorado St

9.Unlv

Player of the Year

Andy Dalton, QB, TCU

Really wanted to pick a Utah running back but Dalton should put up big numbers beating up on Mountain West opponents and his team will be a top 25 team all year.

Must see games

Oregon St vs. TCU, Sept 4th

San Diego St @ Wyoming, Oct 30th

TCU @ Utah, Nov 6th